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South Carolina City Named Top City In U.S.

Things to Do in South Carolina This Spring

Spring is approaching, which means warmer weather and lots of opportunities for fun! South Carolina offers endless ways to beat the winter blues, and here is just a small sampling of fun activities to enjoy this spring!

Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors have a variety of ways to get outside. The state has miles of beautiful coastal beaches, with opportunities to dig your toes in the sand and soak in the ocean. See Hilton Head from a bird’s eye view by parasailing the 12 miles of beach and end the day with cocktails at one of the city’s many oceanside eateries. Meanwhile, at Myrtle Beach, known for its celebrity-designed golf courses, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, fine beachfront dining at countless restaurants, and lots of waterparks.

Those who aren’t big on the beach will also find no shortage of beautiful views and fun ways to explore. Many rivers and parks offer hiking trails, as well as opportunities to rent tubes, canoes and kayaks. Those who venture to Greenville’s Falls Park on the Reedy River can see gorgeous natural rock formations, see beautiful waterfalls, and walk across the famed Liberty Bridge, which seems to float in midair.

The other best way to celebrate a new spring is to see the blossoming of new plant life, and South Carolina has no shortage of gardens and historical estates with eye-catching blooms. Charleston’s Magnolia Plantations and Gardens is the oldest public garden in America, delighting visitors with thousands of beautiful flowers and plants since 1870. If the visit makes you thirsty, you can enjoy a ride on the free Charleston Brewery District Trolley that stops at nine local craft breweries, and then stay downtown and learn the Holy City’s history via a horse drawn carriage tour. Check out the local farmer’s market on Saturdays for fresh produce, locally made crafts, food trucks and more, then click here to see if there’s another great community-driven market in your home city.

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South Carolina Senate And House Members Santee Cooper

South Carolina Senators’ Latest Vote On Santee Cooper Offers No Solution

Just like that and we’re back to square one with Santee Cooper.

Going into last week South Carolinians were hopeful lawmakers would give a direction on what the future of debt-riddled, state-owned Santee Cooper would look like.

However, after Thursday’s vote, it doesn’t look like that’s the case.

Lawmakers were given three different proposals recommended by the Department of Administration, one to purchase the utility submitted by Florida-based NextEra Energy, one to manage submitted by Virginia-based Dominion Energy, and a reform plan from Santee Cooper itself.

On Thursday, the House of Ways and Means Committee rejected the three proposals presented by the Department of Administration, then moved to negotiate further with NextEra on a sale and move ahead with extensive reforms to Santee Cooper in the interim. Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee revealed their decision which was ultimately to give Santee Cooper more time to reform even though the plan didn’t address Santee Cooper’s billions of dollars of debt. Sen. Leatherman appointed a special committee lead by Sen. Setzler and Alexander to take a closer look at the reform plan and see what can be done.

South Carolinians hoping to be free from the burden of Santee Cooper’s debt and mismanagement were likely disappointed by the Senate’s seeming rejection of plans for a solution.

Both, the House and Senate’s decision removed Dominion’s management plan, which also failed to address the billions of dollars of debt owed by Santee Cooper, as an option.

While some senators are holding out hope for Santee Cooper, House members are looking to negotiate a better deal with NextEra that will protect Santee Cooper’s two million direct-serve and electrical cooperative customers and South Carolina taxpayers.

Santee Cooper critics are concerned with the utility’s lack of oversight and years of wasting their customer’s money on failed projects, board member retreats, legal fees, and high-paid executives and golden parachutes.

Michael Couick, CEO of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Santee Cooper’s largest customer, told senators “They [Santee Cooper] just don’t care.” U.S. News reported that the electric cooperatives are disgusted with Santee Cooper’s treatment and the utility reportedly ignored warnings from the cooperatives about the V.C. Summer project.

Couick went on to say “This is how they make money. They charge what they spend.”

The current reform plan doesn’t address the current debt fully, only cost-cutting measures such as workforce reduction and plant closures, adding to concerns that customers and taxpayers will have to continue paying off the debt through increased rates and taxes.

The current fear among critics is that this reform plan leaves room for Santee Cooper to not change and leaves its ratepayers and customers with a debt burden too large thereby making the company unable to make necessary upgrades and changes in order to have a viable and strong utility.

House members hope that in negotiating a better deal with NextEra who is already promising to resolve the utility’s debt and provide nearly $1 billion in ratepayer relief, the state can move past the largest financial disaster in South Carolina history, move on to other issues, and save customers and taxpayers.

In a recent report from Forbes, Palmetto Promise Institute Chairman Phil Hughes was quoted saying “The offer from NextEra is very generous and resolves all debt. Accepting this offer will allow for real ratepayer relief and taxpayer protection.”

So what happens now?

South Carolinians, will, unfortunately, have to wait even longer to find out what will happen as the House and Senate try to come to a decision, all the while, Santee Cooper’s debt, which increases by around a million dollars each day, will continue to grow and other important issues like education will continue to take a backseat to this issue.

A spokesperson for NextEra was reported by The State as saying they’re open to negotiations.

While House members look to negotiate with NextEra, senators have been tasked with helping improve Santee Cooper’s reform plan. However, critics of a Santee Cooper reform are questioning whether real reform is possible even with legislation and what the government’s role should be in the utility business.

 

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5 Cities in South Carolina That You Must Visit!

Featured image source: HDR, Inc.

Thinking of taking a trip to South Carolina? These five cities are must-stop spots for those looking to soak up the rich history of the state, enjoy fine dining, and experience beautiful views, wildlife and attractions.

Charleston


Known as the Holy City, few places in South Carolina offer such a rich look into the past as Charleston. The city boasts 1,400 historic homes, churches and old buildings, many available to tour by horse-drawn carriage tours or by exploring on your own. Other notable spots include Fort Sumter, the federal stronghold that guarded Charleston Harbor during the American Civil War, and the South Carolina Aquarium, home to a variety of animals like river otters, rattlesnakes, and rehabilitated sea turtles.

Myrtle Beach


Known as “the Las Vegas of South Carolina,” Myrtle Beach is a hotspot for tourists looking to enjoy museums, nightlife, and miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Shop until you drop at Broadway at the Beach (the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the State!) or ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, enjoying a 10 minute ride with spectacular views. To see natural wildlife like egrets and alligators, check out Waccamaw River Nature & Wildlife Tours. For a more peaceful day, just grab some sunscreen and enjoy the sand!

Greenville


Greenville is a blossoming cultural city known for beautiful views and upcoming talent. The Greenville Center for Creative Arts holds multiple galleries with local and regional art. Those looking to explore the great outdoors can visit one of 30+ waterfalls dotted throughout the Upcountry.  For a bite to eat, stop by The Anchorage, a semifinalist for best new restaurant in the 2018 James Beard Awards that plates homemade pastas and locally sourced meats. For those looking for a drink, check out one of Greenville’s many breweries.

Hilton Head


The quieter cousin of Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head is a great place to soak up the sun away from the crowds. Hilton Head has been named America’s favorite island, offering 12 miles of beaches, and extensive opportunities for golf. The island hosts the Coastal Discovery Museum, featuring heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens. It is also home to the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh, housing deer, alligators, and birds. Be sure to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the ocean-view restaurants.

Columbia


South Carolina’s capital has no shortage of fun spots to visit. Visitors to the Soda City Market can sample hot boiled peanuts (the unofficial state snack!) while browsing local produce, food, and crafts. Meanwhile, science lovers can enjoy the four-story South Carolina State Museum, the largest of its kind with both a science theater and planetarium. Other notable spots in Columbia include Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café and the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, home to more than 2000 animals ranging from koala cubs to Komoda dragons.

 

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South Carolina Democratic Debate Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways From The South Carolina Democratic Debate

Featured Image Source: Politico

Missed the Democratic debate? Here are the main takeaways to catch you up!

1. When and where was the debate? The debate took place on Tuesday, February 25th in Charleston, South Carolina.

2. Democratic candidates who participated in the debate include Senator Bernie Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer.

3. Bernie Sanders is currently leading the Democratic primary, and he held the most speaking time during Tuesday night’s debate.

4. What did the candidates have to say about gun control? A lot. Joe Biden vowed to “take on” gun manufacturers and criticized Sanders for voting against policies that would enforce stronger background checks for gun purchases. Amy Klobuchar claims her proposed policy would not impair hunters like “Uncle Dick in the deer stand.” Elizabeth Warren faulted Senate Republicans for hindering improvements to gun control legislation.

5. The coronavirus outbreak was a hot topic that had most candidates criticizing the Trump administration for cutting funding to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

6. Pete Buttigieg and Tom Steyer took stabs at Sanders and Bloomberg, warning of a Trump re-election. Buttigieg argued that Sanders’ proposed health care plan would lose the election and result in Republicans staking claim in both the House and the Senate. Steyer added to the concern by blasting Bloomberg for his “long history of being a Republican.”

7. Elizabeth Warren says that while she and Sanders share similar views, particularly on health care reform, she is the only one who will deliver results and knows how to get there.

8. When it came to national security, the candidates offered vastly different stances. Warren emphasized the importance of keeping “strong alliances,” Bloomberg referenced the 9/11 attacks in his focus on preventing terrorism, and Buttigieg called out President Trump for not heeding advice from national security experts.

9. Mike Bloomberg brought humor to the debate by joking about his own poor performance at a debate last week. Bloomberg, along with Biden, was frustrated that the other candidates were not adhering to their speaking time limits.

10. Why was this debate significant? This was the last chance for the candidates to take the stage before “Super Tuesday” on March 3rd when many states will hold their primaries. South Carolina holds its primary this Saturday, February 29th.

Read more here.

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santee cooper discussions 2020

South Carolina Lawmakers Continue To Discuss Santee Cooper

We’re going into another week of the 2020 South Carolina legislative session and while progress continues to be made on one pressing issue another has stalled yet again.

Earlier this month, the Department of Administration handed over a report to lawmakers with its three recommendations for the future of Santee Cooper.

Currently owned and operated by the state, Santee Cooper is $8 billion in debt, half of which stems from the failed V.C. Summer project which was abandoned back in 2017. Since then, lawmakers have been trying to figure out what to do with the utility. Meanwhile, the utility, which has no oversight, must raise electric rates to pay off the debt at some point despite Santee Cooper’s claim of a near-term rate freeze.

Lawmakers will continue to discuss the three proposals this week. Of the three proposals, one is a bid to purchase the utility entirely, one is a bid to manage, and one is a reform plan from Santee Cooper itself.

The report, which was released earlier this month, unveiled details of the management bid submitted by Dominion Energy, the bid to purchase submitted by NextEra Energy, and the reform plan proposed by Santee Cooper.

Virginia-based Dominion Energy purchased SCE&G last year, a move that many former SCE&G customers are still dissatisfied with. The proposal submitted by Dominion states that three or more key management positions at Santee Cooper would be filled by top Dominion employees, and it also states that the plan should happen in tandem with Santee Cooper’s reform plan but does nothing to pay off the company’s debt.

The reform plan presented by Santee Cooper includes a workforce reduction and a plan to lower customer rates over a 20-year period. However, some are skeptical of the plan given that similar claims have been made by the utility who promises a rate freeze but eventually will have to raise electric rates over the years to pay off its debt because its customers are the only source of revenue.

The last option, made by Florida-based NextEra Energy, is the most dynamic of the three. Similar to Santee Cooper’s reform plan, it includes a workforce reduction; however, the proposal states that the company would pay off  Santee Cooper’s debt and relieve Santee Cooper’s two million direct serve and electric co-op customers of the responsibility. The proposal also includes the acquisition of both Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, a four-year rate freeze, and nearly $1 billion in relief to customers.

In a quote provided to the State, Travis Miller, a utilities’ analyst for Morningstar Inc. said, “NextEra is definitely the cream of the crop and could get it done if anybody could get it done.”

Now, lawmakers have thirty days to make their recommendations.

While this is good news for the customers who have been waiting for an answer on the future of Santee Cooper, many South Carolinians are upset about the lack of movement on the education front.

The Senate debated on the “South Carolina Career Opportunity and Access For All Act” until 11:30 pm last Tuesday.

The debate will continue. According to the Senate Journal, over 100 amendments to the bill have been debated so far.

What are your thoughts on the three proposals for Santee Cooper, and do you think more focus should be put on education?

 

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6 Fun Facts About The State Of South Carolina

Did you know all of these facts about South Carolina? If so, you’ve just proven yourself to be a true South Carolinian!

South Carolina is home to the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi!

It is believed that the Angel Oak Tree, located on John’s Island, is the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi. The massive tree is estimated to be a whopping 1,500 years old and shades an area of 17,000 square feet!

SC produces more peaches than Georgia!

Yup, that’s right! South Carolina produces the second-largest amount of peaches in the country, ranking right behind California! Johnson, SC is also known to be the “Peach Capital of the World” and peaches are even the state fruit of SC!

Home to the first game of golf played in the U.S.

Charleston was the first place in the U.S. to see the game of golf played! In the 1700s, a Charleston merchant received a shipment of golf balls and clubs from Scotland, and from there, players of the game organized the South Carolina Golf Club. The Charleston area is now home to about 27 golf courses.

Sweet tea was born here!

Summerville is said to be the birthplace of sweet tea. And, if you’ve never had sweet tea from South Carolina, then you are missing out!

Monkey Island is a real place!

Officially named Morgan Island, located just north of Beaufort, this sea island is only inhabited by monkeys! The island is home to the only free-ranging rhesus monkey population in the U.S., with a population estimated around 3,500. It is uninhabited by people and visitors are not allowed, although you can arrange for a boat ride to view the island from a distance in hopes of seeing a monkey.

The Iodine State!

Did you know that before SC was known as the Palmetto State, it was the Iodine State? I think everyone is thankful for this change. Imagining a South Carolina without the Palmetto tree plastered on everything is terrifying!

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What To Do During Your Next Weekend Getaway To Greenville, SC

If you’ve never been to Greenville and don’t know what to do, here are a few things you can look into…. 

Check out the artwork!

The Greenville County Museum of Art is home to the world’s largest collection of watercolors! It offers free admission and is conveniently located downtown.

If you want to see more artwork, then check out the Village of West Greenville. This area is an expanding community of the arts, with many art galleries, studios and shops selling locally-made pieces. And, if you happen to be in town for the first Friday of the month, then check out First Friday at the Greenville Center for the Creative Arts! From 6-9pm on First Fridays, you can see local artwork and will have the chance to meet the artists.

Spend some time outdoors!

Check out Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge! These are located downtown on the Reedy River and are a cool spot to take a walk or have a picnic. If you are a more intense outdoor adventurer, then there are many great hiking trails just a short drive from the downtown area!

Go on a brewery tour!

Greenville is now home to 15 breweries, with more in the works to open soon! Can’t decide which one to visit? Then check out one of the brewery tours offered by The Brewery Experience or The Greenville Brews Cruise and spend the day brewery hopping!

Have kids? Take them to the Children’s Museum!

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is a great place to bring your kids for a day of fun and interactive learning. It’s a learning and play museum for kids ages 1-8, with more than 20 hands-on exhibits. Some activities will change on a monthly basis and admission is fairly priced. If you live close enough, memberships are available and you can even book birthday parties and group trips!

See a show!

There are a few different theaters in Greenville where you can see a show! The Peace Center, Greenville Theatre, Centre Stage, and Warehouse Theatre are all cool spots and all have different shows to offer. Whether you like plays, concerts, or ballet, you are bound to find something that interests you.

 

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Get Moving At One Of These Upcoming Races

On your marks, get set, GO….

Governor’s Cup Road Race – Columbia, SC – Saturday, February 22

Come out for the 48th Annual Governor’s Cup Road Race! Participants have the option of running either a half-marathon or a 5k through Columbia. The half-marathon takes runners over the Congaree River bridges, while the 5k is a fairly flat route through several of Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. Runners with children can participate in a kid-friendly 1-mile race.

Leap Frog 5K– North Myrtle Beach, SC – February, 29

Celebrate leap year in North Myrtle Beach! Dress up in costume while running a 5k or participating in a 1-mile fun run. Prizes will be awarded to the participants with the most fun costumes and The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach will receive a portion of the race proceeds.

Myrtle Beach Marathon – Myrtle Beach, SC – Saturday, March 7

Sign up for the marathon, half-marathon, 5k, or family fun run (approx. 1 mile) for a weekend of fun. Dave & Buster’s is kicking off the weekend with the beachfront Health and Wellness Expo on Friday, March 6th. On Saturday, runners can find two post-race celebrations after crossing the finish line! This race is a great way to explore the scenic coastline of Myrtle Beach and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Ashley River Adventure Race– Summerville, SC – March, 21*

This year is the 2nd annual Ashley River Adventure Race. The event includes a 5k trail run, followed by an 8-mile downriver paddle and ends with a post-race party at Middleton Place. Not a runner? No worries! Come participate in the fun float where you can enjoy a leisurely, untimed paddle down the Ashley River. 

*Participants must come prepared with their own kayak or stand up paddleboard. Rentals are available at Edisto River Adventures if needed.

Cooper River Bridge Run – Charleston, SC – Saturday, April 4*

Every year, around 40,000 runners take part in the Cooper River Bridge Run, crossing the Ravenel Bridge on their journey to downtown Charleston. The 10k race starts in Mount Pleasant and ends downtown on Meeting Street. This is one of the largest 10k races in the U.S. and is one of Charleston’s biggest events of the year! Runners are invited to a post-race festival in Marion Square to enjoy entertainment, vendors, food, and refreshments!

*Expect road closures Friday and Saturday this weekend.